GM launches four new vehicles at auto show in Detroit

General Motors (GM) has strengthened its line-up with four new vehicles launched during the recent North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2014 in Detroit.

They are the GMC Canyon, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the Chevrolet Corvette C7.R and the Cadillac ATS Coupe.

The 2015 GMC Canyon had its debut before press day at the Detroit Auto Show. The Canyon is targeted at the midsize truck market in North America.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra said the new Canyon is part of its three-truck strategy designed for the midsize truck segment.

“The midsize truck segment is especially interesting. Other manufacturers have either ignored it or abandoned it. That’s why we’re getting back into the segment with not one but two all-new entries – the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon,” said Barra.

Two engines will be offered at launch – a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder one with an estimated 195 horsepower and the optional 3.6-litre V6 with an estimated 300hp and 270 foot-pounds of torque.

“In the second model year we will also offer the 2.8-litre 4-cylinder Duramax Turbo Diesel,” she added.

General Motors North America president Mark Reuss said the 2015 Corvette Z06 is a world-class supercar. It rivals the performance, design, technology and visceral driving experience of any exotic car.

The new Z06 is powered by a brand new supercharged 6.2L LT4 engine, estimated to deliver more than 625hp and 635 ft-lbs of torque. The Z06 features an all-aluminum frame that is 60 per cent stiffer than the aluminum frame in the outgoing model. The stiffer structure makes this the first Z06 to offer an open-air driving experience, with a standard, carbon-fibre removable roof panel. Production will begin later this year with deliveries starting in early 2015.

Meanwhile, the Corvette C7.R race car was co-developed with the Corvette Z06. Corvette Racing will field two C7.R cars in 2014, starting later this month at the 52nd Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 25 and 26. The race kicks off the Tudor United Sportscar Championship – a new series debuting this year after the merger of the American Le Mans Series and Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. The C7.R will compete in the GT Le Mans class in 11 races around North America.

Many of the architectural and aerodynamic features of the C7.R are based on equivalent components and technologies from the 2015 Corvette Z06, such as its new aluminum frame.

“The Z06 and C7.R were developed together,” said Reuss. “The relationship between the Corvette Stingray, Z06 and C7.R is instantly recognizable.”

And as for the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe, it will be one of the first Cadillac models equipped with new OnStar 4G LTE and a new built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to seven devices at once. This means the ATS Coupe can be a mobile hub for consumers, providing easier access to apps and services that require high-speed data connection.

The new ATS Coupe offers a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while power comes from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6L six-cylinder. The 2.0L Turbo engine is upgraded from the current ATS sport sedan to deliver nearly 14 per cent more torque, taking it to 295 ft-lbs (400 Nm). This turbo also offers eight standard air bags, safety belt pretensioners and load limiters, “StabiliTrak” electronic stability control system with full-function traction control, four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS, patented rotor coating protection and an “auto-dry” functionality. It will hit the market this summer.